Supporting the favourite son

On the dubious premise that newspaper endorsements sway public opinion in US presidential campaigns, both main candidates can at least take comfort that they are being supported in print in their home states.

No doubt there are pockets of Democrats lurking in Texas, but they are not terribly visible in the local press. An admittedly quick survey indicates solid support for George W. Bush, encapsulated in the admirably crisp endorsement of the Dallas Morning News: "The Texas Republican could create a less partisan government, restore integrity to the White House and usher in a progressive-conservative era. Americans should vote for change and select George W. Bush to lead the nation in a new direction."

The San Antonio Express-News is similarly smitten: "During his tenure as Texas' chief executive, Gov. George W. Bush has done an excellent job of setting a positive bipartisan tone, an approach that would benefit the nation in Washington.

Bush's willingness to work with lawmakers in both parties, and his ability to build a strong governing team make him the best choice for president." The El Paso Times is not quite so upfront, but its election coverage leaves little doubt where it's heart lies. So does an indignant reader's letter, which accuses the paper of "coddling" Bush, and indeed everyone else wearing a Republican teeshirt.

In Tennessee, Al Gore's state, they do things differently, and not many of the newspapers surveyed offer anything as vulgar as a straight endorsement. The marvellously named Chattanooga Times and Free Press is an exception: "Vice President Al Gore and Gov. George W. Bush have been telling us for some time that this election is about important differences between them. On this point both are right. Mr. Bush proposes a hands-off government that essentially would further enrich wealthier people and give little more than lip service to the needs of ordinary Americans. Mr. Gore actually would roll up his sleeves and work to help Americans take care of their families and improve their education, health care and economic opportunities." (Lest this be thought the vapourings of some bleeding-heart liberal rag, the same paper carries a shrill warning that China is preparing for war with the United States.)

The Knoxville News-Sentinel speaks with the authentic sceptical voice of middle America when it urges voters to think carefully about the lavish promises of education spending by both candidates: "By the time the Republican Congress finishes caving in to President Clinton, federal spending on education could be close to $43 billion, 20 percent more than last fiscal year. The two major party presidential candidates, Al Gore and George W. Bush, promise to spend even more. Clearly, the political consensus is that federal aid to education is a winning issue, but there is a larger, less obvious issue here that is not being addressed: The extent of federal control over public education, by long tradition a purely local responsibility."

The Jackson Sun, while keeping its preferences primly to itself, carries ominous news for the local hero. It tells readers that tickets are still widely available for tomorrow's rally featuring Al Gore and his running mate, Joe Lieberman.